Power lift



F. T. COURT POWERLIFT Feb. 13, 1945:,

Filed Nov. 7, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l 3 m a 8 a E 8 m .1

' XNVENTOR kw omm r mm m.

Feb. 13, 1945. COURT 2,369,436

' POWER LIFT Filed Npv. 7, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 15 r x I35 I36 FRANK T. CU

Feb.'13, 1945.

F. T. COURT POWER LIFT" Filed Nov 7,, 1941 4 Sheets-Shegt 3 INVENTOR m Mum m m FRANK T.

Feb. 13, 1945. F. T. COURT 2,369,436

' POWER LIFT Filed' Nov. '7, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR FANK T. COURT Patented Feb. 13, 1945 Frank T. court; Molina, niL, asslgnor to Deere &

Company, Moline, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application November 25 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements and more particularly to 7, 1941, Serial No. 418,199

(crew-so) parallelogram linkage that automatically accommodates extension of the hitch between the tracpower-actuated means ior adjusting implement parts and moving them into transport or inoperative position.

The object and general nature of the present invention is the provision of new and improved adjusting and lifting connections between a power operated unit or units on a tractor and the implement part or parts which include flexible elements, such as chains or cables, passing through or adjacent the pivotal connection between the implement and the tractor, whereby with a simple connection with the implement, and with the principal parts of the lifting and adjusting units on the tractor, the implement may be easily and conveniently controlled by the operator of the tractor.

More specifically, it is a feature of this invention to provide lifting and adjusting connections of this kind by which a ground working implement, such as a plow, may be adjusted to secure the desired depth of operation, raised or lowered into or out of transport position, and

adjusted for level by means on the tractor and connected through flexible elements with the implement. It is also a particular feature of this invention to provide two operating unitson the tractor and connected through two flexible elements with two movable parts of the implement whereby to adjust two functions of the latter. Particularly, it is a feature of this invention to provide adjusting connections between a tractor and an implement, such as a combine, in which a pair of units on the tractor are connected through suitable flexible connections passing through or adjacent the pivot with the platform and reel lifting or adjusting means on the combine.

Still further, it is an important feature of this invention to provide a power control for an implement in which provision is made for automatic release of the implement from the tractor in the event of an overload, and further it is a feature of this invention to provide means in the lifting connections whereby extension of the hitch between the tractor and the implement, as when cushioning shocks and the like, is accommodated without in any way interfering with the control of the implement bythe unit or units on the tractor. More specifically, it is a feature of this invention to provide a power actuated unit on the tractor connected with the implement part or parts to be adjusted through a flexible connection, which connection includes a tor and the implement when accommodating cushioning of the draft pull, and it, is a further feature of this invention to provide a parallelogram linkage which is adapted to be automatically released when the implement is released from the tractor by an overload release hitch or some other means.

These and other objects and advantages 'of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a fragmentary side view of a tractor and towed plow, in which the depth. of operation and the raising of the plow into transport position is controlled by a power operated unit on the tractor, with provision for automatically releasing the connection when the plow is released as by an overload;

Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the outfit shown in Figure 1;

but showing the parts in the position they occupy when the plow is arranged for its deepest plowing position, the parallelogram linkage being swung rearwardly;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but showing the position of the parts when the spring cushion release hitch yields to accommodate a momentary shift in the position of the implement relative to the tractor but before the latter has actually been released from the implement;

Figure 5 is a larger view, showing the position of the parts at the moment the tractor and implement are disconnected as a result of the yielding of the hitch under an execessive load; Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 66 of Figure 3;

Figure '7 is a view similar to Figure 11 showing a modified form of the present invention in which both the raising and lowering and the levellng of the plow are effected by a pair of power Figure 9A illustrates a modification in which one power unit is connected to level the plow and ing and lowering rear axle housingl. The latter is secured to or forms a part of a transmission housing 8. The

' tractor I includes a power unit 8, preferably in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 8 in which a piston connected to a piston rod 9 is movable under the .control of valve means (not shown). The piston rod 9 is connected by a link H to an arm |2 that is fixed to a rock shaft l3 journaled for rocking motion in suitable brackets M on the tractor. A depth adjusting and power liftarm I5 is fixed at its upper and forward end to the rock shaft l3.

The tractor is provided ,with a drawbar |8 that is connected to the lower portion of the rear axle housing 4 by means of a frame or drawbar support IS. The drawbar |8may be connected to the drawbar support Is for generally laterally swinging movement relative to the tractor, or .it may be connected thereto by means that prevents the drawbar l8 from swinging laterally.

The implement that I have shown in Figures 1 and 2 as connected in operative relation with the tractor I, comprises a plow 25 of the two bottom towed type. The plow 25 includes a pair of plow beam 26 and 21 to the lower rear ends of which plow bottoms 28 and 28 are connected in the usual fashion. The forward ends of the beams 28 and 21 are connected to a vertically swingable hitch indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 3| which will be referred to later. A pair of crank axles 33 and 34 are journaled for rocking movement in brackets 35 and 36 that are secured, respectively, to the plow beams 28 and 21, and each of the crank axles includes a, laterally turned end upon which a ground wheel 38 is mounted. The ground wheel 38 shown in Figure 1, constitutes the right furrow wheel of the plow, and the other ground wheel (not shown) constitutes the land wheel of the plow, and hence the crank axle 34 upon which the land wheel is journaled is disposed normally in a position above the furrow wheel crank axle 33.

In operation, the relation between the crank axles is varied, according to the depth of plowing, in order that the land and furrow wheels may be disposed in a position in which the two plow bottoms 28 and 29 are level. In order to level the plow shown in Figure 1, an arm 4|is fixed to the central portion of the crank axle 33 while another arm 42 is fixed to the central portion of the crank axle 34. A link 45 extends forwardly from the rear arm 42 and at its forward end is supported by a swinging link 48 and is provided with a sector 41 with which a landing lever 48 cooperates.

gitudinal draft member 85 and a diagonal brace spectively,

hitch bar 51, the latter member having a plurality of openings therein to receivethe clevises The landing lever 48 is connected by a link 49 to v the other arm 4|, whereby movement of the lever 48 varies the relation between the crank axles for adjusting the depth of plowing and for raisthe plow into and out of transport position will be described below.

The hitch 3| mentioned above, includes a ion- I 33 and 34 and thus levels the plow. The means 8| and 82 indiflerent positions of lateral adjustment, depending upon the width or tread of the tractor Y The forward end of the hitch'member 58 is formed as a frame, indicated at in Figure l, in'which a draft bolt 88 'is slidably mounted, the frame 85 including a casting 81 at the forward end of the draft member 55. The draft member 88 is generally in the form of a U-shaped bolt, the ends of which are disposed within cushioning springs 68 that are confined between the rear end of the casting 61 and a slidable washer II which is apertured to receive the ends of the draft bolt 88, which ends are threaded to receive nuts 12 by which the plate II is held' in place.

The parts Just described form a part of a spring cushion release hitch indicated in its entirety by the referencenumeral 11, the details of which do ,not per se form a part of the present lnvention,being disclosed and claimed in the patent application, Serial No. 268,731, filed April 19, 1939, by Carl G. Strandlund, to which reference may be had if necessary. Briefly, the spring cushion release hitch 11, in addition to the parts described above, includes a rotatable coupling member 8| mounted for rotation on the forward end 66a of the slidable draft bolt 86. The rotatable coupling member-8| includes sections 82 and 82a which are formed as draft hooks and other sections 84 which form abutments engageable with the upper forward portion of the casting 61. When one of the abutments 84 engages the frame member 61, the draft hook 82 of the other section is in a position to receive a draft or connecting member 88, preferably in the form of a ring to which is welded a clevis 88 that is bolted as at 90 to the rear end of the tractor drawbar Ill. As best shown in Figure 1, the rotatable coupling member 8| is rovided with a. hub of generally square configuration, indicated by the reference numeral 9|, which abuts against the forward end of the frame casting 81 and projects above the front end of the member 81 for a Durpose which will appear later. The rin member 88, as best shown in Figure 2, is of substantial diameter and is so constructed that the implement-and tractor may swing laterally, one with respect to the other generally about the center of the ring member 88, and to guide the relative movement between the ring member 88 andfthe lower draft hook of the rotatable coupling member 8|, I have provided a plate 93 of curved configuration a'nd welded to a, support 94 an upward extension 95 of which (Figure 5) extends upwardly through an opening 98 in the frame casting 81. The extension 951s provided with a latch 98 which releasably holds the support'94 and the curved plate 93 in position constraining" the ring 88 to move relative to the coupling member 8| generally about'a pivot passing through the center of the ring 88. As best shown in the Strandlund application identified above, when the pull is transmitted through the drawbar i8 and the ring member 88 to the hitch 3| through the rotatable coupling member 8| exceeds the strength of the cushioning springs 68, the latter yield, permitting the rotatable coupling member 8| to move the rotatable member 8|, the links I65 and I86 are prevented from turning in a clockwise direction (Figure 3), and since the plates I65 and I66 are restrained against turning, the shaft I and also the other plates Ill and I42 are likewise restrained against turning in a clockwise direction about a transverse axis, for the links I36 and I36 permit only a parallel movement of the plates HI and I42 so long as the shaft I25 is held against rocking movement. However, when the power lift arm I5 is moved toward the tractor, the chain I08 moves rearwardly, and since the rear end of the chain I08 is connected by the elongated link I46 with the hook portion I45 of the plates HI and I42, the latter, together with the links I36 and I36, swing rearwardly, thus permitting the flexible rod |5| to move rearwardly and the arm I53 to rock rearwardly, whereby both crank axles swing upwardly, permitting the plow bottoms to operate at an increased depth. It will be observed that the reaction of the weight of the implement and the section of the plow bottoms, which tends to swing the crank axles 33 and 34 generally upwardly, is restrained by a pull exerted through the rod |5| and the chain I08 against the power lift arm I5, and it will also be noted that these elements are connected to the plates I and I42 in eccentric relation whereby the pull transmitted between the elements I08 and lil tendto cause the plates HI and I4: to rock in a clockwise direction about a transverse axis. This tendency, however, is resisted, due to the fact that the other plates I65 and I66 are prevented from rocking so long as the forward end of the link I12 is anchored back of thesquare hub 9| on the rotatable coupling member 8|, yet this restraint of the plates I and I42 against rocking about a transverse axis does not in any way interfere with the permissive longitudinal swinging movement of the plates in a generally fore and aft direction, as-will be seen by comparing the positions of these parts as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Therefore, rocking movement of the power lift arm I5, whether in one direction or the other, is transmitted immediately through the chain I08 and the flexible rod |5| to the arm I53 on the rear crank axle 34, both crank axles 33 and 34 being constrained for rocking movement together so long as the leveling lever 48 is locked to its sector 41. Thus, by virtue of the mechanism just described, there is a direct connection between the power unit on the'tractor and the part on the implement thatis to be moved from one position to the other, and such connection is in the nature of a flexible connection, one portion of which passes through the guide sleeve I06, which is mountedadjacent the axis of lateral swinging of the implement relative to the tractor, whereby changes in the lateral position of the implement relative to the tractor will have no material effect upon the raising and lowering of the tools.

a Reference was made above to the fact that the spring cushion release hitch 11 yields to absorb shocks and the like, and that such yielding takes place by longitudinal movement of the draft bolt 66 in the frame casting 61. This possible yielding of the hitch connection 11' is automat cally compensated for by the parallelogram,

linkage described above. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4,. and remembering that the plates I and I66 are normally restrained against rocking movement about the axis of their shaft I16 because the front end ofthe link I12 is anchored behind the hub of the rotatable coupling matically increased or member 6|, assume, therefore, that conditions have arisen in which the draft pull causes the springs 68 to compress and the draft bolt 66 to move longitudinally forwardly a small disstandard I20 is fixed. Since the elements I08 and I6I are connected to the plates HI and I42 in eccentric relation, the pull transmitted through these elements exert a constant tendency to cause the plates I" and I42 to rock in a clockwise direction, which tendency is transmitted through the parallelogram linkage to the pivoted plates I65 and I66. Therefore, when the springs 68 yield, permitting the rotatable coupling member 8| to move forwardly, the link I12 moves forwardly with the coupling member, which forward movement than permits the plates I65 and I66 to rock into a position corresponding to that shown in Figure 4, and since the plates I66 and I66 are permitted to rock, so are the swingably mounted plates HI and I42 likewise permitted to rock through substantially the same extent (Figure 4). This has the effect, therefore, of automatically increasing the effective length of the flexible connection I08, |5I by substantially exactly the same amount that the distance between the tractor and the implement is increased due to the yielding of the springs 68 Thus, by virtue of the present invention, the connection between the power unit on the tractor and the part to be operated on the implement is autodecreased according to the yielding of the cushion springs 68, yet in any position movement of the power lift arm I5 will cause the desired corresponding movement of the implement part adapted to be controlled thereby. 1

The spring cushion release hitch 11 is also adapted, as described above, to automatically release the tractor if the pull becomes excessive, and according to the present invention the connection between the chain I08 and the rod I5| is also automatically released with the release of the hitch 11. This is accomplished in the following manner: When the abnormal pull becomes excessive and the springs 68 yield sufliciently to permit the draft bolt 66 to be pulled forwardly an extent suflicient to cause the abutment 84 to clear the end of the casting 61, the pull of the tractor, transmitted to the rotatable coupling member 8| through the ring 88 at a point below the axis of rotation of the coupling member 8| on, the front end of the draft bolt 66, causes the immediate rotation of the rotatable coupling member 8| in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5, and this rotation permits the ring 88 to move out of the draft hook 82. At the same time, the rotation of the rotatable coupling'member 8| also causes the hub 9| to rotate, and as soon as the adjacent corner of the hub, against which the link I12 bears, moves in a clockwise direction, and a soon as the hub moves into an inclined position, the reaction of theforce transmitted by the flexible elements I08 and I5I, and transmitted through the rockable shaft I25 and the arms |26-I 29, immediately causes the rockable plates I6-5, I66 to swing in a clockwise direction (Figure 5), forcing the link I 12 forwardly and at the same-time permitting the plates I4I, I42 to move into a position, as shown in Figure 5, in which the link I46 at the rear end of the chain I06 is free to disengage from the. hook the abutment a4 sliding along the of the casting 61.

forwardly, upper portion of the front end This permits the hitch to cushion sudden shocks and the like, but the tractor and .implement are not disconnected from each other unless the exceeded the draft pullmoves the draft bolt 66 forwardly through the frame casting 61 until the abutment section 84 rides off of the front end of the casting member 61, whereupon the rotatable coupling member 8| is permitted to rotate generally into the position shown in Figure 5, freeing the drawbar ring 88 from connection with the hitch 3|. At the same time, the other draft hook section 82;: will be moved toward a position in which it may be reengaged with the drawbar ring 88.

Coming now to the controlling connections between the implement 25 and the power unit 6 on the tractor, with which the present invention is more directly concerned, it will be noted that the drawbar supporting member I8 carries a bracket IOI (Figure 1) on' which a sheave I02 is journaled. A standard I05 is secured, as by welding or the like, to the ring 88 and is inclined rearwardly to bring its upper end substantially in the center line of the ring 88. To the upper end of the standard I05 a guide sleeve I06 is swiveled, as by a bolt I03, the guide member I06 being in the form of a tube or sleeve of venturl' like construction, having curved relatively smooth inner walls I01. A flexible element in the form of a chain I08 is connected at its forward and upper end to the lower end of the power lift arm I5 and is trained over the sheave I02 and through the guide ring or sleeve I06.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 5 and 6, a standard I which includes a U-shaped member I2I and a base I22 i mounted On. the hitch member 55 by means of a bolt I23 that extends downwardly through an opening in the base I22 andan opening in the casting 61. The upper ends of the-U-shaped member I2I are apertured to receive a shaft I25 which is rockable therein. The shaft I 25 carries two pairs I26, I21 and I28, I29 of arms which are fixed to the shaft I25. The outer ends of each of said arms are apertured to receive pivot pins I3I and I32 (Figure 5). Mounted in depending relation on the pivot pins I3I and I32 of the left hand pair of arms I28, I29 is a pair of links I35 and I36, and the lower ends of the links I35 and I36 are apertured to receive pivot pins I31 and I38 that extend through a pair of triangular plates I4I, I42 (Figure 6). The links I35 and I36 are of equal length, and the distance between the pivots I31 and I38 is equal to the distance between the upper pivots I3I and I32, this construction thu providing a parallelogram link age in which the pair Olftriangular plates I4I, I42 take the same angular position as the upper arms I28, I29. The lowe portion of the plates I 4| and I42 is provided with a draft receiving hook I45 which is normally adapted to be engaged by the rear elongated link I46 at the rear end of the chain I08, as best shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4. A loop I48 extends through aligned openings in the triangular plates MI and I42 substantially midway between the pivots I31 and I38, and hence occupies the same position as regards the triangular plates MI and I42 as does the shaft I25 relative to the upper pivot pins I3I i connected at its forward end with the loop I48 and at its rear end is adjustably connected, as by a elevis I52, to the upper end of an arm I53 the lower end of which is fixed to the central portion of the crank axle 34. The link I5I is in the form of a flexible rod or cable and passes underneath a sheave I55 (Figure 1) rotatable in a bracket I56 fixed to a cross bar I51 connecting the forward endsof the plow beams 26 and 21.

A second pair of depending link I6I and I82 are pivoted at the upper ends to the ends of the arms I26 and I21 and at their lower ends are pivoted to a pair of triangular plates I65 and I66, the ivots at the upper ends of thelinks I6I and I62 being in line with the pivot pins I3I and I32. The pivot pins at the lower ends of the links NH and I62 are indicated in Figure 4 by the reference numerals I61 and I68, these pivots being spaced apart the same distance as the pivots I31 and I38. Also, the triangular plates I65 and I66 are of the same configuration as the plates MI and I42. The pivot plates I65 and I66 carry another pivot I1I, disposed thereon in a position corresponding to the position of the hook section I45 relative to the pivots I81 and I38, and a. link I12 is connected at it rear end to the plates I65 and I66 through the pivot I1I. The forward end of the link I12 is formed to engage against the hub 9I (Figures 1 and 4) of the rotatable coupling member 8|, and is biased for movement into this position by a spring I14 which is connected at one end to the forward and I32. The longitudinally extending rod I5I ,1

portion of the link I12 and at the other end to the right side of the U-shaped standard I2I, as best shown in Figure 6. The two triangular plates I65 and I66 are fixed to a shaft I16 which is rotatably mounted in a sleeve I11 fixed to the right side member of the U-shaped standard I2I (Figure 6), whereby the pair of plates I65, I66 is mounted for rocking movement in the standard I2I but is prevented [from swinging, while the other pair of plates I4I, I42 is permitted to swing (see Figures 1 and 3) as well as rock angularly (Figure 4), but the plates HI and I42 may rock angularly only when the plates I65 and I66 rock, which motion is transmitted through the vertical links I6I, I62 to the upper shaft I25, rocking movement of the arms I28 and I29 with the shaft I25 thus permitting the longitudinally swingable plates MI and I42 to also rock, as for example from the position shown in Figure 3 to the osition shown in Figure 4.

The operation of the mechanism as so far described is substantially as follows,

The outfit as shown in Figure l is in operating position, the chain I08 and the flexible rod I5I being connected, respectively, with the power lift arm I5 of the tractor and the arm I53 of the implement, the chain I08 and the flexible rod I5I being connected together through the two interposed parallelogram linkages comprising the pairs of links I35, I36 and I6I, I62. When operating with the parts arranged as shown in Figure 1, any tendency for the plow bottoms 28 and 29 to run deeper than desired is restrained by theground wheels. If, for example, it should be desired to increase the depth of plowing the power unit 6 on the tractor is actuated so as to cause the power lift arm I5 to move from the position shown in Figure 1 to the position shown in Figure 3, the lower end of the arm I5 approaching the tractor and permitting the chain I08 to move rearwardly. Since the link I12 has its forward end engaged behind the hub 8I of section I45. Thus, whenever the draft loads be come abnormal to an extent sufficient to cause the release of the hitch, the rotation of the coupling member 8I of the hitch acts practically simultaneously therewith to disengage the connections between the chain I08 and the rod I51. Moreover, the yielding of the springs 88 of the hitch prior to actual release of the ring 88 is effective to cause an automatic compensation in the positions of the rockable plates MI, I42 so that the change in the position of the tractor relative to the implement at such time does not cause any raising or lowering of the tools. Figure shows the positions of the parts substantially at the moment of release, but after the release has occurred the parts, particularly those of the parallelogram linkages, return to a normal position, such .as is shown in Figure 1, so that when the tractor is reconnected with the hitch, it is a simple matter to reconnect the link I48 with the hook section I45 of the plates I4I, I42. Preferably, this is done by actuating the power unit 6 so as to swing the left arm I5 into its forwardmost position, thereby providing sufficient slack to permit the operator to engage the link I46 over the hook member I45 when the latter is in a normal position, such as in Figures 3 and 4. Then by actuating the lift arm I5 to swing it into the position to secure the desired operating depth of the plow bottoms, the outfit is again ready for operation.

From Figure 1 it will be noted that the flexible rod I5I is engaged under the sheave I 55 at the front end of the plow beams. This particular construction is desirable so as to prevent the front end of the plow from being pulled downwardly, as might occur if there were a direct connection between the plates MI, I42 back to the arm I53, for the front end of the plow is pivoted to the rear end of the hitch, at the clevises IiI and 62, and a direct pull on the arm I53 might tend to throwth front ends of the plow beams downwardly. However, when the rod I5I is arranged to pass underneath the sheave I55,

. there is established a component of the pull exerted through the rod I5I,cwhich component acts to hold the front ends of the plow beams up in position, both during the depth adjusting range and also during the raising range.

A spring I80 is connected at its front end to a bracket I8I fast to the land Wheel crank axle 34, and at its rear end the spring I80 is connected by a link M3 to a bracket I84 secured to the rear end of the plow beam 26. The function of the spring I80 is three-fold. First, it serves to add the weight of the wheel or wheels to the plow so as to aid in starting the bottoms into the ground and securing the desired penetration. Second, it serves to maintain the chain I08, the rod I5I, and associated connections tight at all times, thereby eliminating slack, and it aids in forcing the oil out of the cylinder 8 when lowering the plow bottoms toward operating position.

In the construction described above, the connections between the power unit '6 on the tractor and the movable part on the implement effected only a raising and lowering'of the tools, the movement of one wheel relative to the other for leveling the plows being effected by a hand lever 48. If desired, this second or leveling adjust-ment may also be effected by a power unit on the tractor. This is illustrated in Figure 9A and will be described below. Also, by eliminating the hand lever 48 and associated connections and fixing an arm, similar to the arm I53 (Figure 1), to the crank axle 34, and providing a second set of chain and rod connections, with a parallelogram linkage, to a second power unit on the tractor, then both raising and lowering and leveling adjustments can be performed by power from the tractor. Figures 7, 8 and 9 show a modified form in which a tractor isprovided with two separate power units, each connected through a set of connections, such a is described above, with the respective crank axles whereby either or both may be raised or lowered as desired.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 7-9, a tractor is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 20I and includes a pair of power units 202 and 203, which may be identical except that one is mounted at one side of the tractor while the other is mounted at the other side.

Each of the power units 202 and 203 is connected to derive operating energy from a source of power on the tractor, such as a pair of hydraulic pump and valve units, not shown, but which may be like that shown in the co-pending application, Serial No. 412,554, filed September 27, 1941, by Theophilus Brown and Frank T. Court, now U. S. Letters Patent No. 2,311,516, issued February 16, 1943. The power unit 202 includes means serving as a piston rod 205 pivotallyconnected to an arm 208 fixed to a rock shaft 201 at the right Side of the tractor. A bracket 208 receives the laterally outer end of the rock shaft 201 and is fixed to the laterally outer end of the rear axle housing. The left hand power unit 203 is of similar construction, embodying a piston 2I I pivoted to an arm 2I2 that is fixed I30 a left hand rock shaft 2I3, the outer end of which is carried on-a bracket 2I4 that is fixed to the left end of the rear axle housing. The adjacent ends of the two rock shafts 201 and 2I3 are supported movement, and an arm 2I8 is fixed to the inner tirety by the reference numeral 225.

end of the rock shaft 201 and a similar arm2l0 is fixed to the'inner end of the other rock shaft 2I3. The lifting arm 2I9 is of substantially the same construction as the lifting arm I5 and is connected to an arm 22I on the land Wheel crank axl 222 of the plow, which is indicated in its en- The plow 225 is, for all practical purposes, identical with the plow 25 shown in Figure 1, except that the hand lever 48 is omitted and an arm 221 fixed to the furrow wheel crank axle 228, the land wheel andfurrow wheel crank axles 222 and 228 corresponding, respectively, to the land wheel and furrow wheel crank axles 34 and 33 in Figure 1. By comparing Figures 8 and 9 with Figures 2 and 6, it will be seen that the form of the invention shown in Figures 7-9 is like that shown in Figures 1-6, except that there are two chain and rod connections, rather than one, and that, each of such connections is substantially identical with that shown in Figures 1-6 and described above. Hence only a brief description will be necessary. A chain 230 is connected at its forward end with the arm 2I9 and is trained over a sheave 23i carried by the drawbar support of the tractor. The rear end of the chain 230 is connected by a hook section on a pair of rockable and swingable plates 232 that are supported by a parallelogram linkage standard 231. A flexible rod 24] passes under a sheave 242 at the front ends of the plow beams 243 and 244 and at its front end is engaged with the plates 232 in substantially the same manner that the forward end of the rod II (Figure 1) is connected to the plates I41, I42. The rear end of the rod 24I is adjustably connected to the arm 22I that is fixed to the land wheel crank axle 222.

A second chain 25| is connected at it's forward end to the other lift arm M8 and is trained over a second sheave 252 carried by the tractor drawbar support. The rear end of the chain 25I is hooked to a pair of triangular rockable and swingable plates 253 that are connected by a pair of parallel links 254 and 255 with a second pair of arms 256 fixed to the shaft 235 (Figure 9). A

flexible rod 258 is connected at its front end to the plates 253 at a point substantially midway between the pivots by which the links 256 and 266 are connected to the plates 253, and the flexible rod 258 passes underneath a sheave 253 fixed to the front ends of the plow beams. Therear end of the rod 259 is connected to the arm 221 that is fixed to the furrow wheel crank axle 228. The shaft 235 (Figure 9)-carries a third pair of arms 26I to the ends of which a pair of links 262, corresponding to the links I6I and I62 in Figure 5, are pivoted. The lower ends of the links 262 are pivoted to a pair of plates 264 which correspond to the plates I65, I66 in Figure 6, there being a link 265 extending forwardly from the lower apices of the plates 264 and arranged to bear against the hub of the rotatable member 266 of the hitch, which is indicated in its entirety in Figure '1 by the reference numeral 261. Both of the chains 230 and 25I pass through a tubular venturi-like guide or sleeve 210swiveled on the upper end of a standard 21l fixed to the drawbar 212 of the tractor, as by a bolt 213.

The operation of the form of the invention just described is substantially the same as the opertion of the form of the invention shown in Figures 1-6. Briefly, the power unit 202 is connected by flexible means passing adjacent the pivot while the hitch connection with the tractor to the arm 221 that controls the position of the furrow wheel, and the other power unit 203 is connected in a similar fashion with the arm that is fixed to the crank axle of the land wheel, whereby either crank axle may be swung upwardl or downwardly by power, as desired. The hitch 261 is of the spring cushion release type, like that shown in Figures 1-6, andwhen the springs yield, the plates 264 rock in the same manner as the plates I65, I66 in Figure 6, thereby permitting the shaft 235 to rock. The rocking movement of the'latter shaft automatically effects the required amount ofincrease in the eflective length of both of the flexible connections between -the lifting arms 2I8 and 2| 9 and the crank axle arms 221 and 22I so that the. yielding of the cushioning springs and the resultant change in the position of the tractor relative to the implement do not affect the posiing, as suggested above. Referring now to Figure 9A, this form of the invention is substantially the same as is shown in Figures 7-=9 except that leveling linkage 25', similar to the linkage 25 shown in Figure 1, is employed. The linkage 25' includes an arm 4i connected with the crank axle 226 and a second arm 42' connected with the crank axle 222'. These two arms are connected by the'leveiing linkage 25' as follows. A link 46' is pivoted to the frame and receives the forward end of a link 45', the rear end of which is pivoted to thearm 42". A link 49 is pivoted at its rear end to the upper end of the arm 4| and at its forward end is pivoted to an adjusting lever 66?, the latter being pivoted to the connecting link 45'. Two lifting-cables 2M and 258' are connected, respectively, with separate power units in the same manner as the lifting cables 24! and 266 in Figures 7 and 8, and in the form of the invention shown in Figure 9A the cable 21" is connected to the upper end of the arm 22! which, as in the form of the invention shown in Figures '1 and 8, is connected with the furrow wheel crank axle. The other cable 268' is con nected at its rear end to the adjusting lever 46'. Thus, where in Figure 1 the leveling is accomplished by swinging the hand lever 48 manually,

' tions of the ground wheels. Likewise, when the in the form of the invention shown in Figure 9A,

actuation of the power unit connected with the cable 258' acts to swing the lever 48' and ad- Just the position of one crank axle relative to the other, thus leveling the plow. By causing the power unit associated with the other cable 2M to exert a, forward pull on the arm 22I' both crank axles are swung into their raised position.

It will be understood that more than two flexible connections may be provided according to the teachings of the present invention and associated, respectively, with more than two power units on the tractor and more than two movable parts on the implement that are to be controlled. Likewise, it is to be understood that the present invention is' not limited to the control of ground working tools but may be applied to any tractor operated agricultural machine in which amovable part or parts are to be controlled, as by adjusting the same into diflerent positions for operation and/or moving the same into a raised or non-operating position. For example, Figure 10 illustrates the application of the present invention to a tractor-propelled combine in which the platform and reel are controlled, respectively, by a pair of power units, such as the hydraulic units 202 and 203 of Figures 7 and 8.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 10, the reference numeral 30I indicates a combine in its entirety, and the combine includes suitable frame means including a hitch frame 302 supported on a pair of ground wheels 303. The combine also includes a platform and cutter bar unit 305 which is pivotally connected for vertical adjustment to the main frame of the combine and arranged to deliver the grain to the cylinder of a threshin unit 306. The axis of vertical swinging of the platform unit is indicated generally by the reference numeral 301.. The 'grain is dis- .charged from the threshing unit to a grain tank nected atits lower end to the bearing support Ill and is trained over'a sheave 3I6 mounted on the upper end of the reel support pipe 3I2. The chain 3l5 extends downwardly and rearwardly and is trained over a sheave 3l'l which is connected in any suitable manner to the frame of the combine so as to be in a position fairly close to the axis 301, whereby vertical movement of the platform and cutter bar unit 305 will not affect the position of the reel 3l0. The chain 3l5 after passing over the sheave 3 is extended forwardly through a pair of guide sheaves 3l0 and 3 I 9 and is connected to or forms a part of a chain 230a which extends forwardly to a power unit on the tractor (not shown), such as the unit 203 of the tractor 20l of Figure 'l.

A rock shaft 322 is mounted by suitable supportsi323 on the draft frame 302 and has a long forwardly extending arm325 connected by a link 326 to the platform unit 305 for raising and lowering the latter. rock shaft 322 has an arm 329 fixed thereto and connected at its lower end to a chain 330, the forward end of which is connected to or forms a part of a chain 25la that corresponds to the chain 25| shown in Figures 7-9; The chain 25la extends to a power unit .on the tractor to which the combine is connected. Both of the chains 230a and 25Ia pass through a venturi-like tube or guide sleeve 335 which is mounted on a pin 336 which serves to connect the rear end of the draft bar 331 of the tractor with the front end of the hitch frame 302. Thus, both of the chains 230a and 25Ia are supported on the pivotal connection between the implement and the tractor so that turning of the tractor relative to the implement will have no effect on the controls. Since both of the chains 230a and 25m are connected to power units on the tractor, it will be seen'that the position of the platform and the position of the reel may be controlled independently by operating the tractor power units. Preferably, each of the chains 230a and 25Ia include quick detachable connections, such as hooks 340, by which the chains may be disconnected from the platform and reel chains whenever the pivot pin 336 is removed to disconnect the combine from the tractor.

The hitch frame 302 includes a forward section 304 which is pivotally connected, as by a bolt 309 to the main portion of the hitch frame. The forward section 304 is swingable laterally about the pivot bolt 309 into a transport position which disposes the front end of the hitch member 304 more nearly in front of-the platform 305. This is for transport purposes so as to reduce the width of the entire outfit, including the tractor. The main portion of the hitch frame 302 includes a lateral bracket 3I3 having a bolt receiving section 3l4 by which the forward pivoted hitch section 304 may be secured in its transport position by passing a bolt through suitable openings in the bars making up the forward hitch member 304 and the bolt receiving section 3 just mentioned. The transport position of the member 304 is indicated in dotted lines in Figure 10,

and from this figure it will be seen that this readjustment causes very little change in the effective length of the chains 3I5 and 330. The chain 3l5 is disposed by the sheaves 318 and M9 fairly close to the pivot bolt 309, and the chain 330 passes substantially over the pivot bolt 309, whereby moving the forward hitch member 304 over to its transport position causes no material change in the position of the reel and platform.

The laterally outer end of the While I have shown and described the preferred structure in whichthe principles of the present invention have been incorporated, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the particular details shown and described, but that, in fact, widely different means may be employed in the practice of the broader aspects of my invention.

What I claim, therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a tractor-propelled outfit including a tractor as a source of power and an implement to be propelled thereby, detachable means releasably connecting said implement with the tractor, a power operated unit operated by the tractor and adapted to control implements and the like, connecting means actuated by the latter unit and including a generally rearwardly extending section adapted for detachable connection to said implement to control the latter, and means dependent upon the position of said first detachable means for controlling said detachable connection.

2. In combination, a tractor having an operating unit thereon,- an implement having a part adapted to be shifted from one position to another, overload releasemeans for connecting said implement with the tractor and adapted to release upon the occurrence of an abnormal pull, connecting means between said operating unit on the tractor and the part on said implement whereby said operating unit is adapted to shift said part from one position to another, and means responsive to the actuation of said overload release for interrupting the connection between said tractor operating unit and said implement part.

3. An implement adapted to be connected to a tractor to be propelled thereby, comprising a part adapted to be shifted from one position to another, hitch means adapted to connect the implement to the tractor to receive draft power therefrom and including an overload release member movable from one position to another to effect a disconnection between the implement and said elements and adapted to be moved to dis- 1 ter is in a position releasing the implement from-- the tractor, said angularly movable member is moved into a position disconnecting said connecting element from said implement part.

4. In combination, a tractor having an operating unit thereon, an implement having a part to be shifted from one position to the other, yielding means connecting said implement with thetractor, a generally longitudinally shiftable connection between said operating unit and said part, means responsive to a generally longitudinal relative movement between the implement and the tractor for adjusting the effective length of said connection.

5. In combination, a tractor having an operating unit thereon, an implement having a part thereon adapted to be shifted from one posi tion to the other, cushion means connecting the implement with the tractor and accommodating a limited amount of movement of the implement relative to the tractor, operating connections including longitudinally shiitable means extending from said operating unit on the tractor to the part on said implement, whereby operation or the operating unit on the tractor is eilective to adjust the position oi said part on the implement, and means responsive to yielding of said cushion means for adjusting the efiective length 01 said longitudinally shiftable means, whereby movement of the implement relative to the tractor incident to the yielding of said cushion means causes substantially no variation in the position of said implement part.

6. in combination, a tractor having a power unit, an implement adapted to be attached thereto and including means for raising and lowering the implement into and out of transport position, means including a flexible element operatively connecting said raising and lowering means with the operating unit of the tractor and including a shiftable part the position of which adjusts the efiective length of said flexible element, hitch means connecting the implement with the tractor and including relatively movable parts and spring means-resisting said relative movement whereby the, transmission of the draft pull is cushioned, and means responsive to the relative movement of said last-mentioned parts for adjusting the position of said shiftable part, whereby the effective length of said flexible element is varied proportionally to the amount of yield of said relative movable parts.

'7. An agricultural implement comprising a part adapted to be moved from one position to another, hitch means adapted to connect the implement to a tractor to be propelled thereby,

said hitch means including a movable overload releasing member, and means reacting against said overload release member for shifting the a position of said implement part.

8. An agricultural ,implement comprising a part to be shifted from one position to another, hitch means adapted to connect the implement to a source of power and including a member movable from one position to another to cushion the transmission. of draft forces and movable into a third position to disconnect the implement from the tractor, and means for shifting said implement part from one position to another including a member movable from one position to another to accommodate the movement of said hitch member from its one position to its said other position, said second mentioned member being movable into a third position to release the connection to said implement part, and means connecting said members, whereby the position of said hitch member controls the position of said second mentioned member, the latter being movable into its third position when said hitch member is moved into its third position.

9. In a tractor propelled outfit, the combination of an implement, a tractor having a power operated lifting unit thereon, tool means on the implement adapted to be raised and lowered, a part movable on the implement for raising and lowo'ring said tool means, a cushion hitch member movable from one position to another when yielding in response to draft loads and movable into a third position to release'the implement upon the occurrence of a predetermined overload, an operating connection extending between the power unit on the tractor and the implementraising and lowering art, said operating connection including means operable when said hitch member moves from said one position to the other position for adjusting said operating cona tractor having a power unit thereon, saidimplement comprising tool mea.ns adapted to be raised and lowered into and out of operating position, hitch means for connecting said implement with the tractor and including a yieldingly mounted member movable fort cushioning the transmission of draft forces between the tractor and the implement, an operating connection between the tractor power unit and the tool means for raising and lowering the latter, said connection comprising two longitudinally movable sections and an angularly movable member to which the adjacent ends of said sections are connected, changes in the angular position of said member serving to change the eflective length oi said sections, and means whereby movement of said hitch member controls the movement of said angularly movable member.

11. An implement comprising tool raising and lowering means, longitudinally shiftable means for moving said tool raising and lowering means, said longitudinally shiftable means including a pair of sections and an angularly shiftable memher to which the adjacent ends of said sections are connected in spaced apart relation, means restraining said member against angular move ment while accommodating movement of said member and both of said sections generally longitudinally to effect operation of said raising and lowering means, and means controlling changes in the angular position of said member for controlling the eifective length of said operating connection.

12. An agricultural implement having a part adapted to be shifted from one position to another, a pair of longitudinally movable elements, one connected with said implement part, an angularly movable member connected with the adjacent ends of said elements whereby angular movement of said member moves said elements onev with respect to the other, a second angularly movable member, means pivotally supporting the latter for angular movement about an axis, parallel link means connecting said members to provide movement of one member with respect to the other but without changing the angular position of either, means for moving said elements and the angularly movable member connected therewith for shifting the position of said imple-. ment part, and means connected with said second mentioned angularly movable member for controlling the connections between said elements,

13. A tractor-propelled outfit comprising a tractor having power operated mean including a pair of independently movable arms, an implement adapted to be hitched to the tractor and means whereby said part moves into a third position accommodating the release of the imple-' ment from the tractor upon the occurrence of arr overload, a connection extending from one of the power operated arms on the tractor to oneof the movable implement parts, a second connection extending from the other of said arms to the other implement part, whereby operation of said arms controls, respectively, said implement parts, each of said connections including a parallelogram linkage, an angularly movable part, the angular position of which determines the effective length of the associated connection, and a common rockable member to which a portion of the parallelogram linkage is connected, rotation of said rockable member controlling the angular position of both of said angularly movable members, but said latter members being free to swing generally fore and aft by virtue of said parallelogram linkage without changing their angular positions, and controlling means for said rockable member comprising a pair of links connected with said rockable member, an angularly movable member connected to said links whereby said last mentioned angularly movable member controls the position-of said rockable member and said first mentioned angularly movable members, and means responsive to a disconnection of said hitch means for accommodating the angular movement of all of said angularly movable members, whereby both of said connections are interrupted when said hitch means is disconnected.

14. An agricultural implement comprising a ground working tool, hitch means connected with said ground working tool for generally vertical swinging movement, a movable part movably connected with said tool and reacting against the ground for raising said tool upwardly relative to the ground, raising means disposed forwardly of-the point of connection of said hitch means with said tool, means connecting said raising means with said part for'operating the latter, and means acting between said connect ing mean and said tool whereby the pull transmitted through said flexible means against said part establishes a component tending to prevent downward displacement of the forward portion of said tool.

15. A plow including a generally fore and aft extending plow beam having a furrow operrer at the rear portion thereof, a crank axle swinga'oly connected with said plow beam, a ground wheel journaled on said crank axle, an arm'connected with said crank axle for swinging the latter so as to react against the ground for raising said furrow opener, means for swinging said crank axle including a generally longitudinally extending flexible element connected at its rear end to said arm and adapted when a forward pull is transmitted therethrough to cause said arm to swing said crank axle downwardly and raise said furrow opener, and means connected between said flexible element and the forward portion of' said plow beam to prevent the latter from swinging downwardly when a pull is exerted through said flexible element against said arm.

' 16. The combination of a tractor having a source of power, an agricultural implement having ground working tool means adapted to be raised and lowered relative to the ground,hitch means movably connecting said agricultural implement with the tractor, means deriving power from said source of power on the tractor for raising said ground working tool mean and including a generally longitudinally shiftabl part movement or which is adapted to raise said ground working tool, and means supporting said shiftable part on said hitch means.

17. The combination oi a tractor having a pair of independently movable part thereon, an agricultural implement connected with the tractor and including a working unit movable into various working positions and also movable into a raised position, means on the implement for adjusting the position of said working unit, means on the implement for raising said working unit, and a pair of flexible elements, one connected between one of said tractor parts and said position adjusting means and the other connected between the other tractor part and said raising means.

18. The combination of a tractor having a pair of independently movable parts thereon, an agricultural implement connected with the tractor and including a working unit movable into various working positions and also movable into a raised position, means on the implement for adjusting the position of said working unit, means on the implement for raising said working unit, a pair of flexible elements, one connected between one of said tractor parts and said position adjusting means and the other connected between the other tractor part and said raising means, and a Venturi-like tubular guide member carried by the tractor and receiving both of said flexible elements.

19. In combination, a tractor, an implement having a part adapted to be shifted from one position to another, overload release means for connecting said implement with the tractor and adapted to release upon the occurrence of an abnormal pull, connecting means between said tractor and the part on said implement for controlling said part, and means responsive to the actuation of said overload release for interrupting the connection between said tractor and said implement part.

20. In combination, a tractor, an implement, overload release means for connecting said implement with the tractor and adapted to release upon the occurrence of an abnormal pull, a disconnectible control connection between the implement nd the tractor, and means responsive to the actuation of said overload release for disconnecting said control connection.

21. In combination, a tractor, an implement, releasable means for connecting said implement with the tractor, a disconnectible control connection between the implement and the tractor, and means responsive to the release of said releasable means for disconnecting said control connection.

22. In combination, a tractor, an implement having a part to be shifted from one position to the other, yielding means connecting said implement with the tractor, a connection between said tractor and said part, means responsive to a relative movement between the implement and the tractor for adjusting the efiective length of said connection.

23. An agricultural implement comprising a part adapted to be moved from one position to another, hitch means adapted to connect the implement to a tractor to be propelled thereby, said hitch means including a yieldable member, and means reacting against said yieldable member for shifting the position of said implement part.

24. In combination, a tractor, an implement having a part to be shifted from one position to the other, yielding means connecting said implement with the tractor, means for shifting said part, and means associated with said shifting means and responsive to yielding of said yielding means for compensating for the change in the relative position of said tractor and implement when said yielding means yields.

25. In combination, a tractor having an operating unit thereon, an implement having a part adapted to be shifted from one position to another, overload release means for connecting said implement with the tractor'and adapted to release upon the, occurrence of an abnormal pull,

the tractor and the part on saidimplement and including members acting in tension to transmit force and releasable mechanism connecting said tension members,.whereby said operating unit is adapted to shift said part from one position to another, and means responsive to the actuation of said overload release for releasing said releasable mechanism and thereby interrupting the connection between said tractor operating unit and said implement part.

' FRANK T. COURT. 

